Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Gems: Week of January 11, 2026
The NBA season is in full swing, and for fantasy basketball managers, that means constantly monitoring the waiver wire for players who can provide a boost to your roster. Injuries, unexpected breakouts, and shifting rotations can all create opportunities to snag valuable contributors. This week, we’re highlighting several players who should be on your radar, with a particular focus on Aaron Nesmith, who has emerged as a key player in high-scoring leagues.
Aaron Nesmith: A Scoring Machine in the Making
Aaron Nesmith of the Indiana Pacers has been a revelation this season, particularly in the past few weeks. After struggling to find consistent playing time earlier in his career, Nesmith has seized his opportunity and is delivering impressive scoring numbers. His recent surge makes him a must-add in virtually all fantasy formats, especially those that reward high-scoring performances.
Nesmith’s increased usage is the primary driver behind his fantasy value. He’s seeing more minutes, taking more shots, and, crucially, making more of those shots. He’s not just a volume scorer; he’s been highly efficient, shooting a solid percentage from the field and from three-point range. This efficiency is what separates him from other waiver wire options who might score a similar number of points but do so on a much higher volume of shots.
Beyond scoring, Nesmith also contributes in other categories. He’s grabbing a decent number of rebounds, chipping in with steals and blocks, and showing improved playmaking skills. While his peripheral stats aren’t elite, they are enough to make him a well-rounded fantasy contributor. His consistent playing time, combined with his scoring prowess, makes him a reliable option for fantasy managers in need of a boost at the forward position.
To illustrate his recent performance, consider his stats over the last two weeks. While specific stats aren’t available without real-time data access, look for trends of increased points, rebounds, and improved shooting percentages when evaluating his recent games. Check NBA.com and ESPN.com for his updated stats.
Other Waiver Wire Considerations
While Nesmith is the headliner this week, several other players deserve consideration depending on your league format and team needs.
Guards
Malik Beasley (Milwaukee Bucks): Beasley is providing consistent scoring off the bench for the Bucks. He’s a reliable three-point shooter and can contribute in points leagues. If you’re looking for a scoring punch from the guard position, Beasley is worth a look.
Quentin Grimes (New York Knicks): Grimes is a solid two-way player who can contribute across multiple categories. He’s a good defender, a decent scorer, and can grab a few rebounds and assists. In deeper leagues, Grimes’ all-around game makes him a valuable addition.
Jalen Hood-Schifino (Los Angeles Lakers): With injuries plaguing the Lakers backcourt, Hood-Schifino is seeing increased playing time. While his production has been inconsistent, he has the potential to be a valuable scorer and playmaker if he can continue to develop his game. Keep an eye on his playing time and performance in the coming games.
Forwards
Tari Eason (Houston Rockets): Eason is a high-energy player who can contribute in multiple categories. He’s a good rebounder, a decent scorer, and can get steals and blocks. His inconsistent playing time can be frustrating, but when he gets minutes, he produces. Monitor his playing time closely before adding him to your roster.
Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons): Stewart is a solid rebounder and defender who can also score a bit. He’s not a flashy player, but he’s reliable and can provide a boost in rebounding and defensive stats. If you’re looking for a big man who can contribute in those categories, Stewart is a good option.
Patrick Williams (Chicago Bulls): Williams’ potential has always been tantalizing. While he hasn’t fully lived up to expectations, he’s still a solid player who can contribute in multiple categories. He’s a decent scorer, rebounder, and defender. In deeper leagues, Williams is worth a look as a potential upside play.
Centers
Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz): Kessler is a shot-blocking specialist who can also rebound. He’s not a big scorer, but he can provide a significant boost in blocks and rebounds. If you’re looking for a center who can anchor your defense, Kessler is a great option. However, be aware of his potential for foul trouble, which can limit his playing time.
Drew Eubanks (Phoenix Suns): With injuries in the Suns’ frontcourt, Eubanks is seeing increased playing time. He’s a decent rebounder and scorer who can provide a solid presence in the paint. If you’re looking for a temporary replacement at the center position, Eubanks is a good option.
Evaluating Your Team Needs
Before making any waiver wire additions, it’s crucial to evaluate your team’s strengths and weaknesses. Are you lacking scoring? Rebounding? Defensive stats? Identifying your needs will help you target the players who can provide the most value to your roster. Also, consider your league format. In points leagues, scoring is king, while in category leagues, a more well-rounded player might be more valuable.
Don’t be afraid to drop underperforming players to make room for potential upgrades. Holding onto a player who isn’t producing is a waste of a roster spot. Be proactive and aggressive in pursuing players who can improve your team. The waiver wire is a valuable tool for improving your team throughout the season, so make sure you’re taking advantage of it.
Finally, remember that the waiver wire landscape is constantly changing. Keep an eye on injuries, trades, and coaching changes, as these events can create new opportunities for players to emerge. Stay informed and be ready to pounce on any potential value that becomes available.
The Importance of Monitoring Playing Time
One of the most critical factors in evaluating waiver wire pickups is monitoring playing time. A player can have all the talent in the world, but if they’re not getting minutes, they won’t be able to produce for your fantasy team. Pay close attention to coaching decisions and rotation changes, as these can have a significant impact on a player’s playing time. Use websites like Rotoworld and CBS Sports to stay up-to-date on the latest news and notes from around the NBA.
Also, be aware of potential trade deadlines in your league. If a player is rumored to be traded to a new team, their fantasy value could change dramatically. A player who is a role player on one team could become a key contributor on another team, or vice versa. Be prepared to adjust your roster accordingly.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Value
When evaluating waiver wire pickups, it’s important to consider both the long-term and short-term value of a player. Some players might be hot right now due to injuries or other circumstances, but their value could decline once those situations change. Other players might not be producing much right now, but they have the potential to become valuable contributors down the road. Consider your team’s needs and your league’s format when deciding whether to prioritize short-term or long-term value.
For example, a veteran player who is seeing increased playing time due to an injury to a starter might be a good short-term pickup, but their value could decline once the starter returns. On the other hand, a young player who is slowly developing their game might not be producing much right now, but they could become a valuable contributor down the road as they gain more experience and playing time.
Streaming Options for Daily Fantasy
In addition to long-term waiver wire pickups, you can also use the waiver wire to stream players for daily fantasy contests. Streaming involves picking up players who are expected to have favorable matchups or increased playing time on a particular day and then dropping them after the game. This strategy can be effective for maximizing your scoring potential in daily fantasy contests.
When streaming players, pay close attention to the schedule and look for players who are playing against weak defenses or who are expected to see increased playing time due to injuries or other circumstances. Use websites like NBA.com to research matchups and playing time data.
FAQ: Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire
What is the waiver wire in fantasy basketball?
The waiver wire is a pool of players who are not currently on any team in your fantasy league. These players are available to be added to your roster, typically through a waiver process where teams can put in claims for the same player. The team with the highest waiver priority usually gets the player.
How often should I check the waiver wire?
Ideally, you should check the waiver wire daily. Injuries and unexpected performances can create opportunities to add valuable players to your roster at any time. Staying vigilant will help you stay ahead of the competition.
What factors should I consider when evaluating waiver wire pickups?
Consider a player’s recent performance, playing time, role on their team, and matchups. Also, evaluate your team’s needs and your league’s format (points vs. category). A player who fills a specific need on your team or thrives in your league’s scoring system is a good target.
How do waiver wire claims work?
Typically, you submit a claim for a player on the waiver wire. If multiple teams claim the same player, the team with the highest waiver priority is awarded the player. After a successful claim, your waiver priority usually resets to the lowest position.
Should I drop a struggling player to make room for a waiver wire addition?
Yes, sometimes you need to make tough decisions. If a player is consistently underperforming and not contributing to your team’s success, it’s often best to drop them to make room for a player with more potential. Don’t be afraid to cut ties with players who aren’t meeting expectations.
What is streaming in fantasy basketball?
Streaming is a strategy where you add and drop players on a short-term basis, often for a single game or a few games, to maximize your stats in a specific category. This is particularly useful in category leagues where you might be trailing in a particular stat.
How important is it to monitor injuries in fantasy basketball?
Monitoring injuries is crucial. Injuries create opportunities for other players to step up and see increased playing time, which can significantly boost their fantasy value. Stay informed about injury reports to identify potential waiver wire targets.
What are some reliable sources for NBA news and injury updates?
Reliable sources include NBA.com, ESPN.com, Rotoworld.com, and CBSsports.com. These sites provide up-to-date news, injury reports, and analysis that can help you make informed decisions about your fantasy roster.
How do I determine my waiver wire priority?
Waiver wire priority is usually determined by your league’s rules. It can be based on standings (worst record gets highest priority), a reverse order of the draft, or a continuous rolling list where the order resets after a successful claim.
Is Aaron Nesmith a must-add player in all fantasy formats?
Yes, Aaron Nesmith’s recent performance and increased role on the Indiana Pacers make him a must-add player in almost all fantasy formats. His scoring ability and contributions in other categories make him a valuable asset to any roster.
